Timpanator
Level Crossing Brewing Company

a very good and quite traditional doppelbock, i continue to like the beer these guys make, and they somehow keep flying under the radar. this has a somewhat lighter color than a lot of these, less brown, more mahogany to chestnut, and not crazy viscous or sugary leggy for its strength. just a short tan head on it, but enough carbonation that it stays in motion. the aroma is long boiled grain richness from raisin to gif on the fruity side, and from leather to pipe tobacco on the savory side, well layered and without too much dark character in the malt without sacrificing complexity. its also quintessentially german with the lager yeast in here, and has hearty bready notes and a lot going on overall. the flavor agrees, lovely toffee and maple decadence up front, dried fruits in the middle, and more baked and earthy character later, not a ton of back end sweetness here, and the alcohol stays impressively well hidden to me, even as it warms up a little bit. i get bran muffin, pumpernickel bagel, and fresh mulch, along with proofing dough and some minerals from the yeast. very cohesive and professionally executed, late hazelnut and bread pudding. just enough carbonation, not so heavy on the palate and in the belly as is common in the style. delicious, i would love to try the barrel aged version they do! seems perfectly built for that.